In the eyes of one national news organization’s readers, Whidbey rates as one of the best islands to visit in the United States.

Whidbey Island is ranked No. 3 under “Best U.S. Island” by readers of USA Today and 10Best.com, the news media company’s travel website.

A panel of experts picked the nominees, leaving the public to vote for their favorite U.S. islands over the course of a month.

Whidbey Island trailed only the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, which was No. 1, and Mackinac Island in Michigan.

No other island on the West Coast was selected, including the San Juan Islands.

Whidbey apparently got the nod over “nearby islands” because of its easy access, according to USA Today.

“I think all of us who have ever been lucky enough to call Whidbey Island home are not surprised at being recognized as the third best island. This is a very special place,” said Island County Commissioner Jill Johnson, chairwoman of the Whidbey and Camano Islands Tourism Committee.

“The only thing surprising is that we weren’t No. 1, because in my heart, there is absolutely no place better. I would wager that anyone who has ever hiked in Ebey’s Reserve, discovered the wonder of Deception Pass Bridge and state park or strolled the sandy beach at Double Bluff would agree with me.

“Whidbey Island is hard to shake.”

In a passage on the 10Best website, Whidbey Island is noted for its “six state parks, two historic villages and a noticeable artistic bent” that helps define it.

The 10 Best website features a new readers choice category each month, prompting viewer participation.

Islands that follow Whidbey in the top 10 are, in order: Mount Desert, Maine; Amelia Island, Fla.; Assateague Island, Va./Md.; Dauphin Island, Ala., and; Kauai, Hawaii; Block Island, R.I.; and Hilton Head, S.C.